After debuting by leading Maryland to a bowl in 2016, DJ Durkin’s program took a step back this season. Chalk it up to injury and growing pains for a young-but-promising program that teems with talent.

Michigan State moved up to No. 2 in the latest AP poll, released Monday afternoon. There was talk about the Spartans being the No. 1 team following Duke's loss and a pair of Kansas losses, but Villanova leapt the Big Ten leaders for the top spot.

The sting of being left out of the College Football Playoff has subsided for Ohio State, as the Big Ten champs look for a strong finish in the Cotton Bowl vs. USC, a fellow college football blueblood. In fact, many feel the Buckeyes’ clash with Pac-12 champ Trojans is one of the best postseason matchups.

Michigan is still seeking that elusive breakthrough season under Jim Harbaugh, who is in his third year in Ann Arbor. It didn’t happen in 2017. But the Wolverines will be making their Big Ten-high sixth appearance in the Outback Bowl, taking on South Carolina from the SEC.